Gangasagar Mela 2024: Drones, CCTV To Insurance Benefits- Security Measures Taken This Year

The preparations for the Gangasagar Mela (Gangasagar Fair 2024) are almost over and currently, special attention is being given to security and transportation measures.

Security And Safety Measures At Gangasagar Mela 2024

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Gangasagar Mela 2024: As the month of Poush arrives, suburbs of Bengal gear up for the famous Gangasagar Fair. Every year lakhs of pilgrims across the country attend this but unfortunately, it also leads to a number of accidents and often people get lost in the crowd, unable to reach back to their families. Nonetheless, Bengal eagerly awaits this massive gathering. This year, the Gangasagar Mela will continue until January 17, while the Makar Sankranti ritual will take place on January 15 and 16. 

The preparations are almost over and currently, special attention is being given to the security measures. Surveillance is being conducted through watchtowers, CCTV, drones and measures have been taken to prevent accidents during the bathing ritual.

The Security Measures That Have Been Taken:

The Makar Sankranti bathing ritual will commence at the beginning of the upcoming week. Pilgrims from various parts of the country have already started arriving at the Gangasagar Mela grounds. Here are some of the security measures that have been taken:

• Vigilance has been heightened with CCTV coverage across the entire area.
• Police kiosks have been set up in different locations and drones are also being used for surveillance. In addition, surveillance using hovercraft and boats, will also be done to ensure smooth transportation from Lot 8 to Kochuberia.
• Extra precautions have been taken for the safety of pilgrims during the Makar Sankranti ritual, involving Civil Defence personnel, NDRF and Coastal Security Forces.

Other Safety Measures:

Gangasagar Mela is a huge gathering, almost similar to that of Kumbh Mela. Around 40 lakh pilgrims are expected to participate in the fair and the state government in Bengal is making arrangements for their convenience. Here are the following arrangements that the Chief Minister of Bengal has announced:

• An insurance benefit for those attending the fair, with coverage up to 5 lakh rupees, which includes police, volunteers, journalists, and pilgrims.
• In case of any issues during the Gangasagar Mela, a toll-free number is available.
• To make transportation smoother, 21 jetties along with 6,000 buses, 6 barges, 32 vessels, 100 launches, and additional train services have been arranged.
• GPS and satellite tracking will also be implemented.
• In case of an emergency, a medical infrastructure with 300 beds has been set up exclusively for the fair, equipped with specialised doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff. Critical care patients will have access to a Green Corridor.

About Gangasagar Mela:

Gangasagar is an annual event held exclusively on Sagardwip, also known as Sagar Island. Each year, during Makar Sankranti, pilgrims across the country gather at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal to take a sacred dip, followed by prayers at the revered Kapil Muni Temple.